Point in time count set for April 2018

The next Point-in-Time count is approaching, and city officials are trying to tackle homelessness in Grande Prairie.

The Housing First initiative is especially important in order to help those living in poverty.

“It is an evidence-based intervention for homelessness. A lot of studies have gone into helping us understanding it really is the best approach,” said homeless initiatives research and evaluation analyst Forrest McGregor.

“How can you stabilize issues in your life if you don’t have anywhere to live?”

At a presentation regarding the upcoming point in time count, McGregor explained the demographics and people affected by homelessness.

The count has been done every two years since 2016, and the count for Grande Prairie was 127 that year.

It was split between 61 per cent men and 37 per cent women, though McGregor said women were underrepresented. Five per cent identified as LGBTQ. Many were between 31 and 44.

“The point in time count is a key part of the system of data we use to measure where we’re at and making progress on ending homelessness,” she said.

She urged people to come out and volunteer on April 11, 2018, for the count.

“Volunteering for the point in time count is a great way to learn about the Grande Prairie community, issues in the community, and about homelessness and how we’re working together to end homelessness.”